Propeller transmission means



July 20, 1948. A MAS PROPELLER TRANSMISSION was I 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed larch 14, 1947 INVENTOR ANTONIO MAs WW ATTORNEY July 20, 1948. A. MAS 2,445,446

I PROPELLER ITRANSMISSION MEANS Filed latch 14, 1947 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR ANTONIO NM I 'ATTORNEY A. MAS

PROPELLER TRANSIISSION MEANS July 20, 1948.

5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed larch 14, 1947 INVENTOR ANTONIO M s ATTORNEY July 20, 1948. A, MAS 2,445,446

PROPELLER TRANSMISSION MEANS Filed March 14, 1947 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 BYW ATTORNEY Patented July 20, 1948 Antonio Mas, New York, N. Y.

Application March 14, 1947, Serial No. 734,804

4 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in a transmission means for the propellers for all kinds and types such as airplanes, helicopters, ships, submarines, war tanks, automobiles, etc. The new transmission may be driven with any prime mover, such as gas, engines, motors, rocket engines and the like.

It is proposed to characterize the new and improved transmission by the'iact that it includes a step-up speed arrangement by which the propellers may be driven at increased speeds. It

is proposed to associate a reversing mechanism I with each pair of propellers, or certain of the propellers, of a vessel, ship, etc, for the purpose of decreasing the head-on speed for landing, Stopping and for other reasons.

More specifically, the invention contemplates a propeller connected directly through a speed transmission mechanism, with a prime mover, and a second propeller connected with the same prime mover through another speed transmission. This latter speed mechanism is provided with a reversing device which includes a clutch by which the second propeller may be connected and disconnected. A novel arrangement is proposed for operating the clutch so that the reversing transmission may be operated by reversing the second prepeller, whenever it is desired.

Still further the invention proposes a step-up speed transmission and reversing means for twin propellers, as briefly explained, which will increase the maneuverability of an airplane, ship and other device.

Forfurther comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to t e appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the airplane provided with a speed transmission and reversing mechanism constructed in accordance with this invention.

Fig. 2 is a front view of Fig. 1. I

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary/longitudinal sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a schematic wiring diagram of Fig. 4.

Figs. 6 to 9 inclusive are plan views of diiferent types and kinds of airplanes, equipped with reversing means in accordance with this invention.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary schematic view of a portion of a transmission constructed in accordance with this invention.

Figs. 11 to 13 inclusive are additional plan views of additional designs of airplanes embodying this invention.

Fig. 14 is a side elevational view of still another airplane embodying another formoi this invention. I

Fig. 15 is a plan view of still another airplane constructed in accordance with this invention.

Figs. 16 and 17 are front views of airplanes embodying still another form of this invention.

Fig. 18 is a front view of a ship embodying this invention.

Fig. 19 is a front view of another ship embodying another form of the invention.

The new and improved step-up speed transmission and reversing means for twin propellers.

the propeller 2| in one direction. A second propeller,23 is connected and driven by the prime mover 20. This second propeller 23 is associated with a step-up speed reversing transmission 2! whichconnects with the prime mover 20. A clutch 26 is provided for disconnecting the transmission when desired. A novel mechanism is proposed for controlling the reversing transmission 25 and clutch 26.

The mechanism mentioned at the end of the previous paragraph includes a rotary electric control consisting of an electric motor 30 driving a rotary contact disc 3| and another rotary contact 32 which are connected with speed gears 33. The arrangement is such that when the motor 30 operates, the contact disc 3| will be driven, and the contact disc 32 will be driven at a much lesser rate of speed. The electric motor 30 is connected in an electric circuit ll which is controlled by a push button switch 35. This switch '35 controls the reversing of the sec ond propeller 23 as will become clear, as this specification proceeds. The push buttonvswitch 35 is one of a gang of switches 38 and 31 connected together for unitary operation.

The clutch 26 has a control lever 4|! which is urged in one direction by a spring ll for urging the clutch into a closed position. The

lever in may be moved in the other direction clutch controlling solenoid 32 which when energized moves the lever 35, to open the clutch 25. The solenoid 32 has a moving armature 33 which is connected with the lever 35. The solenoid 32 is connected in an electric circuit 35 which includes, in series, a pair of spaced contacts 35 and the gang switch 31. The spaced contacts 35 are arranged to be bridged by the contacts 35 which are mounted on the rotary contact disc 3|. The arrangement is such that when the rotary contact disc 3| turns, the solenoid 32 will be intermittently energized. The armature 33 of the solenoid 32 is associated with a bolt 55 for restricting the clutch 25 from fully reclosing for a short period of time. More particularly the bolt '55 is in the nature of an armature for a solenoid 5| which is mounted at right angles to the armature 33.

The solenoid 5| is provided with lugs 53 by which it is threadedly s1 .pported on adjustment screws 5|. By turning the adjustment screws 5| in one direction, or the other, theposition of the solenoid 5| may be adjusted so that the bolt armature 55 will 'be in the correct position, to hold the clutch 25 in a partially opened position, as desired. A spring 52 normally urges the bolt 55 against one side of the armature 53. The solenoid 5| is connected in an electric circuit 53 which includes, in series, a pair of spaced contacts 55 and a solenoid latch 55. The solenoid latch 55 has an armature-like bolt 51 cooperative with a keeper .55 mounted upon a connecting rod 53 of the gang the usual shift lever 55. This shift lever 55 is connected with the armatures 55 to a pair of opposed solenoids 51 and 55. The solenoid 51 is in the nature of a "reverse solenoid. As soon as it is energized it will move the lever 55 to move the transmission 25 into a reverse condition in .which the propeller 23 will turn in the opposite direction. The reverse solenoid 51 is controlled by a time switch 15 which is in a circuit 1| controlled by the gang switch 35. The forward solenoid 55 is connected in a circuit 13 which is controlled -by a push button switch 13.

Now referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, it should be noted that the airplane 15 is provided 'with right and left pairs of twinpropellers 2| and 23. The operation of this device may be understood from the following:

* Normally the transmission is is in its "forward position and the clutch 25 is closed. -Now when l the airplane 15 is operated thepropeller 2| and 23 will drive forwards. When it is desired to cut down the forward drive of the propellers, the direction of rotation of the propellers 23 is reversed; To do this, the pilot merely depresses the gang of switches 35, 35 and 31. The cam 55moves below .the bolt armature 51 which locks the gang of switches in closed positions. The pilot releases said switches, but they remain closed until actual reversing of the propellers 23 has been accomplished.

When the switch 35 was closed the circuit 33 closed, so that the motor 35 ofthe rotary control 4 started turning. The motor 35 drives the rotary contact discs 5| and u. The switch as sets the time switch into operation and causes the solenoid 51 to function after a short period of delay. During this period of delay the switch 31 and the rotary contact disc 3| closed the circuit 35 through the clutch solenoid 32. This causes the armature 33 to become retracted, freeing the bolt 55 which moves upwards and prevents the armature 33 from moving back to its initial position. When the armature 33 moved to its retracted position, the lever 35 was pivoted to open the clutch 25. The time switch 15 is so adiusted that after the clutch is open, the reversing solenoid 51 functions to move the transmission 25 into the reverse condition.

The rotary contact disc 3| keeps interrupting the circuit so that the clutch solenoid 32 becomes energized and deenergized. The spring 3| attempts to close the clutch 25, at all times when the solenoid 32 is deenergized. However, the clutch 25 cannot be tightly closed, because of the arresting bolt 55. The action is similar to an automobile operator rapidly opening and closing the clutch during a period when there is excessive strain on the automobile and the engine tends to vibrate.

During this medium clutching and declutching, the propeller 23 is gradually brought to a stop and started turning in the opposite direction. By this time, the rotary contact disc 32 has turned to a position in which the contact 5| bridges the very slightly spaced contacts 55. This momentarily closes the circuit 53 through the solenoid latch 55 so that the bolt armature 51 is retracted freeing the cam 55 and thus freeing the switches 35, 35 and 31 which then open. When the circuit 53 was closed, the solenoid 5| was also energized retracting the armature 55 and permitting the armature 33 to become fully eittended. This is the moment when the switches 35, 35 and 31 open, causing the parts to remain in this condition. Now the clutch 25 is again closed, and the propeller 23 is reversed.

The propeller 23 is not caused to turn forwards again until after a landing or when the engine 'with this invention. However, the propellers 2| and 23 are offset from each other. Arrows 52 have been added to indicate that the propellers 2| are operating forwards while arrows 53 indicate the propellers 23 are in reverse.

In Fig. 8 an airplane 55 is illustrated provided with four pairs of propellers 2| and 23 associated with each other in accordance with this invention. a

In Fig. 9 an airplane 55 is provided with twin propellers 2| and 23 which are associated with each other in accordance with thisinvention. The propellers 2| and-23 may be caused to operate in opposite directions.

In Fig. 10 a speed-up transmission 51 is illustrated connected with propellers 2| which in turn are connected withprime movers 25.

In Fig. 11 an airplane 55 is shown provided with pairs of twin propellers 2| and 23 associated with each other in accordance with this invention.

In Fig. 12 still another airplane 9| has been shown with pairs of twin propellers 2| and 23 which are offset from each other.

In Fig. 13 an airplane 94 is shown provided with twin propellers 2| and 23. The propellers 2i and 23 are arranged at right angles to each other. The propellers 2| may locate upon the leading edge of the wing of the airplane, while the propellers '23 are m'ounted on the top of the wing. If desired, the propellers 23 could also be mounted on the bottom of the wing.

In Fig. 14 an airplane 96 is illustrated provided with twin propellers 2| and 23 arranged adjacent each other. These propellers are located upon the top of the ship and at the back of the ship.

In Fig. 15 the airplane 98 is shown provided- 4 with three propellers on each side of the fuselage. Two of the propellers of each set correspond to the propellers 2|, while the center propeller of each set corresponds to the reversing propellers 23.

In Fig. 16 another airplane 99 is shown provided with propellers 2| and 23' associated with each other, as already stated, but staggered upon the wings of the airplane.

In Fig. 17 the airplane Hill is shown. with propellers 2| upon the wing and. a reversing propel-.

ler 23 at the front of the fuselage.

In Fig. 18 a ship Illl is shown provided with pairs of propellersv 2| and 23, arranged at the back, on opposite sides. There are four propellers in all.

In Fig. 19 another ship I02 is two of the propellers 2| and 23.

While I, have illustrated and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise constructions herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications coming within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

shown with just Having thus described my invention, what I I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent, is:

1. A reversing means for twin propellers, comprising a prime mover, a propeller connected with said prime mover for turning in one direction, a second propeller to be driven by said prime mover, a reversing transmission for connecting said second propeller with said prime mover, a clutch for disconnecting said second propeller, a rotary electric control, a motor for driving said control, a circuit and a manually operable gang of switches for-controlling said motor, a clutch solenoid for opening said clutch, a circuit for controlling said clutch solenoid and including said last named circuit, a bolt for restricting said clutch from fully reclosing, resilient means for urging said bolt closed, a bolt controlling solenoid for opening said bolt, a circuit for said bolt controlling solenoid and including said rotary control for opening said bolt, a reverse control solenoid for said reversing transmission, a circuit including a switch of said gang of switches for controlling said reverse control solenoid, a forward control solenoid for said transmission, a circuit and a manually operable switch for controlling said forward control solenoid, and a solenoid operated latch for releasably holding said gang of switches closed and connectedin series with said bolt controlling solenoid.

2. A reversing meansfor twin propellers, comprising a prime mover, a propeller connected with said prime mover for turning in one direction, a second propeller to be driven by said prime mover, a reversing transmission for connecting said second propeller with said prime mover, aclffiih for disconnecting said second propeller, a rotary electric control, a motor for driving said control,-a circuit and a manually operable gang of switches "for controlling said motor, a clutch solenoid for switch of said gang of switches for controlling said reverse control solenoid, a forward control solenoid for said transmission, a circuit and a manually operable switch for controlling said forward control solenoid, and a solenoid operated latch for releasably holding said gang of switches closed and connected in series with said bolt controlling solenoid, said rotary electric control including. driven discs with contacts.

3. A reversing means for twin propellers, comprising a prime mover, a propeller connected with said prime mover for turning in one direction, a second propeller to be driven by said prime mover, a reversing transmission for connecting said second propeller with said prime mover, a clutch for disconnecting said second propeller, a rotary electric control, a motor for driving said control, a-

circuit and a manually operable gang of switches for controlling said motor, a clutch solenoid for opening said clutch, a circuit for controlling said clutch solenoid and including said last named circuit, a ,bolt for restricting said clutch from full reclosing, resilient means for urging said bolt closed, a bolt controlling solenoid for opening said bolt, a circuit for said bolt controlling solenoid and including said rotary control for opening said bolt, a reverse control solenoid for said reversing transmission, a circuit including a switch of said gang of switches for controlling said reversecontrol solenoid, a forward control solenoid for said transmission,.a circuit and a manually operable switch for controlling said forward control solenoid, and a solenoid operated latch for releasably holding said gang of switches closed'and connected in series with said bolt controlling solenoid, said rotary control including driven discs with contacts, said discs being arranged to rotate at different speeds.

v 4. A reversing means for twin propellers, comprising a prime mover, a propeller connected with said prime mover for turning in one direction, a second propeller to be driven by said prime mover, a reversing transmission for connecting said second propeller with said prime mover, a clutch for disconnecting said second propeller, a rotary electric control, a motor for driving said control, a circuit and a manually operable gang of switches for controlling said motor, a clutch solenoid for opening said clutch, a circuit for controlling said clutch solenoid and including said last namedcircuit, a bolt for restricting said clutch from fully reclosing, resilient means for urging said bolt closed, a bolt controlling solenoid for opening said bolt, a circuit for said bolt controlling solenoid and including said rotary control for opening said bolt, a reverse control sole- 7 noid for said reverslnir transmission, a circuit including a switch of saidgang of switches for controlling said reverse control solenoid, a forward control solenoid for said transmission, a circuit and a manually operable switch for controlling said forward control solenoid, and a solenoid'operated latch for releasably holding said gang of switches closed and connected in series B with said bolt controlled solenoid, said resilient means comprising springs.

ANTONIO MAB,

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Hockney Dec. 14, 1943 

